Ocellated Tapaculo in Ecuador

Let me proudly introduce a new exotic bird that has been trained by the ambassador of hand feeding the most difficult skulking birds in Ecuador: the Ocellated Tapaculo.
For those of you that have tried and failed to see this bird now you have a reason to visit Refugio Paz de las Aves where Angel and Rodrigo Paz will now be able to show you the new grand prize.

Ocellated Tapaculo

It is too early to tell if Angel and Rodrigo will develop a long standing relationship with this bird but for now it is showing itself in exchange to a handful of gourmet cleaned-and-cut worms. So, if you have been thinking about visiting Ecuador, do it now and don’t miss the new grand prize.

Photo taken at Refugio Paz de las Aves

Best of all remember that when you visit the Paz family you are supporting a sustainable business model that conserves the forest.

Renato was born in Quito, Ecuador and quickly flew to the USA to learn all about engineering and climbing company ladders. After getting his engineering degree from the University of Minnesota he worked in the Standard-American-Rat-Race-Company for fifteen years. After climbing the ladder to where he could no longer see the ground, he decided to jump off the ladder and migrate south like all normal birds do. To his surprise home did not look like it did when he left as a young fledgling; the towns were bigger, most of his friends had nests of their own, and the countryside was changed. Shocked by all the change he searched for a new life and a new wife. He stumbled across a vivacious young chick who would accompany him inside a volcanic crater to set up a love nest. So, after eight years of nesting inside the crater a new love for nature and birds has sprung a career in environmental conservation and birding tours. Finally this bird has come home to roost!

Hey guys, that is par for the course. Most people will not even get a glimpse of this bird while they are stepping on it! The high pitch squeal is loud, his design is extravagant, but somehow he manages to hide so well… But not with Angel, he has the magic touch to bring out the best birds.

Renato was our tour guide and took us to Refugio Paz de las Aves where we saw this bird in November. Amazing close looks! It was a wonderful surprise, we were not expecting to see this bird at all, much less get photos of it! A lot of other great birds in the area too! A wonderful place!!